Forensic Nurse Examiner

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Attention Applicants

***Pursuant to sections 8-302(a) and 8-303 of the Health Occupations Article, Maryland Annotated Code, to qualify for a license in Maryland, an applicant must be fingerprinted for a criminal history records check (CHRC). A CHRC includes both a State and national criminal history records check conducted by the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, or “Central Repository". The applicant's fingerprints will be maintained by the Central Repository; and all new and additional criminal information will be reported to the Board.***

Step 1- FNE Clinical Requirements

• Clinical Requirements for the RN-FNE - Pediatric Training Program
  
• Clinical Requirements for the RN-FNE - Adult Training Program

Step 2- FNE Program Approval​

• Board Approved RN-FNE Programs in Maryland
• FNE Program Approval Application
• FNE Program Checklist​
  

Step 3- CHRC for FNEs

If you are applying for a FNE only certification in Maryland and you hold a compact RN from another state, you will be required to obtain a CHRC prior to being licensed. If you already hold a MD RN, you will not be required to complete a background check for licensure. ​​

How To Apply for a Criminal History Records Check

IF YOU ARE WITHIN MARYLAND:

Complete this form and take it with you to the fingerprinting site: Livescan Pre-Registration Application​

For a list of electronic fingerprinting locations visit the following website: https://www.dpscs.state.md.us/publicservs/fingerprint.shtml​

After having your fingerprints taken, be sure to get a receipt and ask for a tracking number.

IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE MARYLAND:

• You have the option of using a Maryland Location or any location in your area to have your fingerprints taken.
• You must request a fingerprint card by calling the CJIS Central Repository in Baltimore City at 410-764-4501 or toll-free number 1-888-795-0011 to request a blank fingerprint card.
• If you obtain a blank fingerprint card from CJIS, you must have the Maryland Board of Nursing's Agency Authorization and ORI Numbers available as follows.
• Agency Authorization #: 9300000850
• ORI#: MD920480Z
  
• Reason: RN/LPN Initial
• Position Applied For: MD Ann. Code Health Occ. §§8-303, 8-304
• Complete the fingerprinting card and take it with you to the fingerprinting site.
• After having your fingerprints taken, be sure to get a receipt. Make a copy of the fingerprint card and attach the copy to your application. Do Not send the original card.
• Mail the fingerprint card and the associated fee to CJIS-Central Repository, 6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 205, Pikesville, Maryland 21215.

Please include a check or cashier's check made out to “CJIS Central Repository" for the appropriate fee. For the current fee schedule visit https://www.dpscs.state.md.us/publicservs/fingerprint.shtml

Step 4- FNE Verification of Practice

• RN-FNE Continuing Education and Reinstatement Verification form
  

Step 5- Registered Nurse - Forensic Nurse Examiner (RN-FNE) Certification

• RN-FNE initial application form & instructions
  

COMAR 

• COMAR 10.27.21.00 - Practice of the Registered Nurse - Forensic Nurse Examiner
• 10.27.21.01 - Exclusion from Regulations
• 10.27.21.02 - Definitions
• 10.27.21.03 - Authorization to Practice
  
• 10.27.21.04 - Scope and Standards of Practice
• 10.27.21.05 - Standards for Instructional Programs
• RN-FNE Adult Training Curriculum Board Approved 4.19.2021 Final.pdf
• RN-FNE Peds - Adol Training Curriculum Board Approved 4.19.2021 Final.pdf
• 10.27.21.06 - Certification by Endorsement
• 10.27.21.07 - Renewal of Certification
• 10.27.21.08 - Reinstatement of Certification
  
• 10.27.21.09 - Unlawful Practice
  
• 10.27.21.9999 - Administrative History

These regulations and all other COMAR regulations can be found at the Division of State Documents - COMAR

E-Mail The Board With Questions

RN-FNE Certification Questions - [email protected]

Updated 08/18/2025

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